Dallas Police Officers on Leave Following Fatal Crash Involving Association Leader’s Girlfriend

The Dallas Police Department has recently opened an internal affairs investigation concerning two of its officers who responded to a tragic incident on March 15, where a woman named Atianna Washington was fatally struck by a vehicle. This event took place around 1 a.m. in the 2500 block of Northwest Highway, an area noted for its poor lighting and lack of crosswalks, contributing to the hazardous conditions for pedestrians.

Washington was hit by a vehicle operated by the girlfriend of Jaime Castro, who serves as the president of the Dallas Police Association. Castro was reported to be in the passenger seat at the time of the incident. Following the crash, Washington was transported to a local hospital, where she unfortunately died from her injuries.

In light of the incident, Interim Police Chief Mike Igo has placed the two responding officers on administrative leave while the internal investigation unfolds. This decision underscores the department’s commitment to scrutinizing the actions taken at the scene, especially given the public interest in how the situation was managed.

Reports from multiple sources suggest that among the officers placed on leave, one is associated with the DWI unit and the other is part of the traffic division. Critical points raised by sources indicate that neither officer administered a breathalyzer test nor inquired about the driver’s alcohol consumption, as department protocol requires such tests only when there is suspicion of impairment. The officers reportedly concluded that there were no signs of intoxication from the driver at the scene.

This raises significant questions regarding the handling of the investigation, particularly concerning the potential influence of Jaime Castro’s presence during the officers’ assessment of the situation. Public perception may speculate that his status could have inadvertently impacted the officers’ decision-making process, leading to a lack of thoroughness in assessing the driver for impairment.

Mindi Crapo, the mother of the deceased Washington, expressed her anguish over losing her daughter, who was described as vibrant and full of life, and who left behind a 4-year-old son. In a heartfelt statement to the media, Crapo conveyed her distress, emphasizing the need for transparency in the investigation. She articulated a sense of urgency for clear answers about the incident, which she finds deeply unsettling.

Crapo’s plea highlights her wish for a complete and fair examination of the circumstances surrounding her daughter’s death. She thanked Chief Igo for initiating an investigation and hopes it will shed light on the events that transpired that night.

As the investigation proceeds, the Dallas Police Department faces public scrutiny regarding its procedural practices and accountability measures. Stakeholders, including the community and Washington’s family, await the findings with a desire for justice and transparency in the wake of this tragic incident. The internal affairs investigation will likely focus on the officers’ decision-making processes and adherence to department guidelines in handling such critical situations.